WhatsApp unveils messaging app for small businesses

Facebook-owned messaging platform WhatsApp has launched an app tailored for small businesses.

Kenyan small businesses widely use social media platform to market and interact with their customers, especially Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp and the latest addition is expected to boost communication.

The free app, which is currently on Android operating system only, aims to help businesses connect with their customers as well as ease operations such interaction with customers. 

“With the app, businesses can interact with customers easily by using tools to automate, sort, and quickly respond to messages,” reads part of a statement on by WhatsApp.

The app targeting small businesses, which was unveiled at the weekend, also aims to ease hefty costs the enterprises incur in setting up online presence that include website development and logistics related to customer care.

The free app is currently available in Italy, Indonesia, Italy, Mexico the UK and the US.

The app will be available for global users in the coming weeks, according to WhatsApp chief operating officer Matt Idema.

Among the unique features for business users of the messaging app are Quick Replies, which allows businesses to save and reuse messages they frequently receive and easily answer common questions in real-time.

READ: WhatsApp inches closer to revenue plan with accounts for businesses

The businesses are also able to create their profile as well as access important metrics such as how many of your messages were successfully sent, delivered, and read using the Messaging Statistics feature.

Automated Messages feature makes it possible for business owners to notify customers that they are not able to reply to their queries and know when to expect a response by creating an away message.

Users with personal and business numbers will also be able to have both apps on one phone registered in their respective numbers, according to WhatsApp.